The headlining rock band advertised on this poster was started in 1974 by the Guildford-based businessman and jazz drummer Brian Duffy. Originally known as The Guildford Stranglers, the original line-up comprised the bass player and vocalist Jean-Jacques Burnel, the guitarist and vocalist Hugh Cornwell and the keyboard player and guitar player Hans Wärmling (soon replaced by keyboard player Dave Greenfield). From 1976 the band became associated with Britain's burgeoning punk rock movement and in 1977 went from a niche punk band to a top ten-charting name. The band toured widely at home and abroad from the late 1970s, releasing its critically acclaimed concept album La Folie in November 1981, shortly before its appearance in Bradfield advertised by this poster. This tour, known as the La Folie tour, included dates at the Hammersmith Palais on 17November and ended on 4 December at London's Rainbow Theatre.

The Stranglers is one of the longest-surviving bands originating during the UK's punk scene, with European and UK tours in 2021 and 2022, the latter in memory of Dave Greenfield, who died on 3 May 2020 after contracting COVID-19. The red and black of this poster and the cursive lettering of the band's name have remained part of its marketing identity, featuring on its website and on a wide range of its merchandise, from mugs and t-shirts to baseball caps and boxer shorts.